The Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats on September 16, 2024, was a Monday Night Football classic that had fans glued to their screens. Played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, this nail-biting clash ended with a stunning 22-21 victory for the Falcons, thanks to a clutch performance by quarterback Kirk Cousins and a game-sealing interception by safety Jessie Bates III. This article dives into the key player stats, standout performances, and pivotal moments from this unforgettable matchup. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan or just curious about the game, we’ve got all the details in a clear, easy-to-read format, complete with a stats table for quick reference.
Game Overview: A Comeback for the Ages
The Falcons entered Week 2 looking to bounce back from an 18-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Eagles were riding high after a 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Philadelphia dominating possession time (35:39 to Atlanta’s 24:21). Despite this, the Falcons pulled off a miraculous comeback, overcoming a 99.3% probability of losing with under two minutes left, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. This victory marked the seventh-most improbable comeback since 2016, making it a game to remember.
Let’s break down the key player stats and performances that defined this epic showdown.
Quarterback Showdown: Kirk Cousins vs Jalen Hurts
Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons)
Kirk Cousins proved why the Falcons invested $180 million in him. Despite concerns about his recovery from a torn Achilles, Cousins delivered a masterclass in clutch performance. He completed 20 of 29 passes (69%) for 241 yards, throwing two touchdowns with no interceptions, earning a 117.2 passer rating. His game-winning drive was the highlight: with 1:39 left and no timeouts, Cousins went 5-for-6 for 70 yards, culminating in a 7-yard touchdown pass to Drake London. His poise under pressure silenced doubters and gave Atlanta a crucial road win.
Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
Jalen Hurts was a dual-threat force, showcasing his arm and legs. He completed 23 of 30 passes (76.7%) for 183 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, resulting in an 88.6 passer rating. On the ground, Hurts was electric, rushing 13 times for 85 yards and scoring a 1-yard touchdown via the Eagles’ signature “tush push” play. Key runs included a 23-yard scamper on 4th-and-3 and a 15-yard gain on 3rd-and-11, keeping drives alive. However, his late-game interception, picked off by Jessie Bates III with 27 seconds left, sealed the Eagles’ fate.
Running Back Battle: Bijan Robinson vs Saquon Barkley
Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)
The Falcons’ second-year star, Bijan Robinson, was a dynamic force. He ran 14 times for 97 yards, averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per carry. His explosive runs set up key scoring drives, including a field goal and a touchdown. Despite a fumble recovered by the Eagles, Robinson’s efficiency outshone his counterpart, proving he’s a cornerstone of Atlanta’s offense.
Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)
Saquon Barkley, in his home debut for the Eagles, was a workhorse with 22 carries for 95 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He also caught two passes for 23 yards. Barkley’s contributions included a 2-point conversion that gave Philly an 18-15 lead in the fourth quarter. However, a critical dropped pass on 3rd-and-3 with 1:46 remaining forced the Eagles to settle for a field goal, leaving the door open for Atlanta’s comeback. Barkley later took accountability, saying, “I dropped the ball, let my team down today.”
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Big Plays and Clutch Catches
Drake London and Darnell Mooney (Atlanta Falcons)
Drake London was the hero of the final drive, catching the game-winning 7-yard touchdown pass with 34 seconds left. He finished with 6 receptions for 54 yards. Darnell Mooney stole the show earlier with a spectacular 41-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter, somersaulting into the end zone to give Atlanta a 15-10 lead. Mooney ended with 3 catches for 88 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his big-play ability.
DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles)
DeVonta Smith was Hurts’ go-to target, hauling in 7 receptions for 76 yards and a 7-yard touchdown in the second quarter. His sideline catches kept drives alive, but he was the intended receiver on Hurts’ late interception, as Bates outmuscled him for the ball.
Defensive Standouts: Jessie Bates III and C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Jessie Bates III (Atlanta Falcons)
Jessie Bates III was the defensive MVP, sealing the game with a clutch interception of Hurts with 27 seconds left. Bates led all players with 12 tackles, showcasing his sideline-to-sideline range. His physicality also broke up a key end-zone pass, preventing an Eagles touchdown.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles)
C.J. Gardner-Johnson made a massive play, stopping Bijan Robinson on a 4th-and-1 run at the Atlanta 39 with 5:38 left, giving Philly the ball back. He finished with 8 tackles and a pass breakup, but lamented that his stop “wasn’t the ultimate lead to win the game.”
Special Teams: Younghoe Koo vs Jake Elliott
Younghoe Koo (Atlanta Falcons)
Kicker Younghoe Koo was perfect, going 3-for-3 on field goals, including a 39-yarder in the second quarter and a 34-yarder in the third. His 48-yard extra point, pushed back due to a penalty, was a high-pressure kick that provided the one-point margin of victory.
Jake Elliott (Philadelphia Eagles)
Jake Elliott was also flawless, making both field goal attempts (29 and 28 yards). However, his 28-yard field goal with 1:39 left gave Atlanta just enough time to mount their comeback, unlike Koo’s clutch performance.
Key Team Stats
Here’s a quick look at the team stats from the game:
-
Total Yards: Atlanta 385, Philadelphia 365
-
First Downs: Both teams had 22
-
Turnovers: Atlanta 0, Philadelphia 1
-
Time of Possession: Philadelphia 35:39, Atlanta 24:21
-
Yards per Play: Atlanta 6.6, Philadelphia 5.4
-
Rushing Yards: Atlanta 152 (5.4 yards per carry), Philadelphia 170 (5.0 yards per carry)
-
Passing Yards: Atlanta 233, Philadelphia 195
-
Sacks: Atlanta 1 (Matthew Judon), Philadelphia 1 (Milton Williams)
Pivotal Moments That Shaped the Game
-
Mooney’s 41-Yard TD (Q3, 1:21): Darnell Mooney’s touchdown shifted momentum, giving Atlanta a 15-10 lead and forcing the Eagles to play catch-up.
-
Gardner-Johnson’s 4th-and-1 Stop (Q4, 5:38): This defensive stand gave Philly a chance to extend their lead, but they settled for a field goal.
-
Barkley’s Dropped Pass (Q4, 1:46): A first-down catch would have iced the game, but the drop led to a field goal, keeping Atlanta alive.
-
Cousins’ Game-Winning Drive (Q4, 1:39): Cousins’ 70-yard, 65-second drive ended with London’s touchdown, flipping a 99.3% loss probability.
-
Bates’ Interception (Q4, 0:27): The final nail in the coffin, as Bates picked off Hurts to seal the upset.
Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats Table
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key player stats from the Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles game on September 16, 2024:
|
Player |
Team |
Passing (Comp/Att, Yds, TD, INT, Rating) |
Rushing (Car, Yds, TD) |
Receiving (Rec, Yds, TD) |
Defense (Tackles, INT, Sacks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kirk Cousins |
Falcons |
20/29, 241 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT, 117.2 |
2 car, 1 yd, 0 TD |
– | – |
|
Jalen Hurts |
Eagles |
23/30, 183 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 88.6 |
13 car, 85 yd, 1 TD |
– | – |
|
Bijan Robinson |
Falcons |
– |
14 car, 97 yd, 0 TD |
4 rec, 25 yd, 0 TD |
– |
|
Saquon Barkley |
Eagles |
– |
22 car, 95 yd, 0 TD |
2 rec, 23 yd, 0 TD |
– |
|
Drake London |
Falcons |
– | – |
6 rec, 54 yd, 1 TD |
– |
|
Darnell Mooney |
Falcons |
– | – |
3 rec, 88 yd, 1 TD |
– |
|
DeVonta Smith |
Eagles |
– | – |
7 rec, 76 yd, 1 TD |
– |
|
Jessie Bates III |
Falcons |
– | – | – |
12 tackles, 1 INT, 0 sacks |
|
C.J. Gardner-Johnson |
Eagles |
– | – | – |
8 tackles, 0 INT, 0 sacks |
|
Younghoe Koo |
Falcons |
– | – | – |
3/3 FG, 48-yd PAT |
|
Jake Elliott |
Eagles |
– | – | – |
2/2 FG |
|
Matthew Judon |
Falcons |
– | – | – |
1 sack |
|
Milton Williams |
Eagles |
– | – | – |
1 sack |
Why This Game Mattered
For the Falcons, this win was a statement. It proved they could compete in a hostile environment and gave them a tiebreaker advantage in the NFC playoff race. Cousins’ clutch drive and Bates’ interception highlighted Atlanta’s potential to be a contender. For the Eagles, the loss exposed late-game execution flaws, particularly Barkley’s drop and a lackluster pass rush (only one sack and one QB hit on Cousins). It raised questions about their ability to close out tight games, a concern heading into their next matchup.
Historical Context: Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats Rivalry
The Eagles lead the all-time series 21-16-1, with a 3-1 playoff record. This game added another chapter to a rivalry that has seen iconic moments, from the Falcons’ 1978 Wild Card comeback to the Eagles’ 2004 NFC Championship win. The 2024 clash will be remembered for its dramatic finish and Atlanta’s improbable victory.
Final Thoughts
The Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats on September 16, 2024, was a testament to the NFL’s unpredictability. Kirk Cousins’ game-winning drive, Jessie Bates’ clutch interception, and Saquon Barkley’s costly drop defined a contest where every play mattered. The stats tell the story of a game where efficiency trumped possession, and clutch execution made all the difference. Whether you’re an Eagles fan licking your wounds or a Falcons supporter celebrating the upset, this game will be talked about for years. Keep an eye on these players as the season progresses—they’re sure to deliver more unforgettable moments.
